The Teen Commandments

By Sara Cox

Best friends Sara Cox and Clare Hamilton survived their chaotic teenage years together. Now they're back in the trenches with five teens between them - but armed with laughs, survival tactics and the kind of wisdom that only comes from being former rule-breakers themselves. Each week they’ll reminisce and commiserate as they attempt to make sense of the often mind-boggling behaviour of modern teens…because the best teen advice comes from those who know every trick in the book. Mum, dads, carers, parents, step-parents, grandparents and yes, even you teens, are welcome, encouraged even, to step into the world of The Teen Commandments. When not parenting, riding her horse or walking her 3 dogs, or caring for her other numerous pets, Sara Cox can be found broadcasting on BBC Radio 2, presenting television shows and writing one of her 3 Sunday Times Best-selling books, Sara can be found in her garden shed with Clare recording this podcast. Leaving the chaos of her own teenagers behind her, with a coffee in hand and headphones in, hairdresser and single mum Clare Hamilton hops on a train each week from her home in Manchester to travel to Sara’s for a sleepover and to record this podcast. 📧 Email at hello@teencommandments.co.uk 📲 Follow on Instagram: @djsaracox, @clarehamilton_ 👩‍💻 Visit www.theteencommandments.co.uk 🎙️ Teen Commandments is a Sara Cox Production

Episodes

Your Turn: Chores, Unpacking & Party Pooper (literally)

More hilarious tales of teenager behaviour, courtesy of your fabulous emails. One dad has done a ‘deal’ with their teen to avoid them both getting into big trouble. Teen Commandments listeners want to know why teens don’t open curtains & what do they actually do at the gym? Plus it’s official, we can send a popstar into space, yet no parent will ever solve the mystery of the wet towels. Sara and Clare ponder why teens wrap up in the heat but shed layers in arctic conditions, plus the best pals grass each other up, revealing they both did the exact same things that now drive them mad as parents. Email us at hello@teencommandments.co.uk Follow us on Instagram: @djsaracox, @clarehamilton__ Visit www.theteencommandments.co.uk Teen Commandments is a Sara Cox Production Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

23/04/25•33m 9s

Heroes & A Big Barney on the Bus

Heroes & A Big Barney on the Bus This week Sara and Clare strike a pose as they become beauty influencers - kinda. Another man makes an impression on Clare on the train, but not in a good way. There’s booze free shocks, teens hiking in slippers (& no socks), underbum management and public transport meltdowns as Sara and Clare navigate entertaining the teens during the Easter hols. Email us at hello@teencommandments.co.uk Follow us on Instagram: @djsaracox, @clarehamilton__ Visit www.theteencommandments.co.uk Teen Commandments is a Sara Cox Production Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

20/04/25•37m 16s

Throwing stuff, sun cream & totting up your totty

Your Turn goes international as Sara and Clare open up the email inbox via Cyprus and Manchester. Sara’s on sunscreen duty, treading the fine line between trying to protect the teens without being a nag, whilst Clare’s method involves her flashing a crinkly body part and shouting “see!” There’s pornaggeddon for one shocked dad and toilet etiquette is back with a vengeance - one story quite literally makes Sara gasp! ‘Special cuddles’ are discussed and what the heck do you say when a teenager asks you how many partners you’ve had? Email us at hello@teencommandments.co.uk 📲 Follow us on Instagram: @djsaracox, @clarehamilton__ 👩‍💻 Visit www.theteencommandments.co.uk 🎙 Teen Commandments is a Sara Cox Production PS - if you’re heading off on holiday and want a brilliant beach read, then Sara’s book ‘Way Back’ needs to be in your suitcase! www.bio.to/wayback Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

15/04/25•26m 31s

Holidays & Hair

This week’s Teen Commandments comes with an all-inclusive buffet and sea views. Sara is on holiday with two teenagers, feeling thoroughly left out of the gang, whilst Clare is back in the Manchester salon, where she refuses to do any teenagers hair. Asides from hair and holidays, Sara and Clare want to know where all the hair bobbles go? How do teens create a tangled mess with every electrical wire they own? And who was more sensible as teenagers: themselves or their kids? Warning: it doesn’t matter what time of day you listen to this; you’re going to want a chippy tea immediately afterwards. Email us at hello@teencommandments.co.uk Follow us on Instagram: @djsaracox, @clarehamilton__ Visit www.theteencommandments.co.uk Teen Commandments is a Sara Cox Production And finally… if you haven’t listened to Sara & Clare’s dead good episode of Where There’s A Will There’s A Wake yet, then you can click here… https://listen.sonymusic-podcasts.link/COCO57300 Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

14/04/25•40m 1s

Your Turn: Skimpy Clothes, Sick Bowls & Bongs

Single parents have assembled! They’ve flooded the Teen Commandments inbox with messages of support and coping tips for those who go from being full-time parents to childless at weekends. On a less touching note, there are more tales of drunken vomiting! We hear from a mum who has accidentally plied her daughter with shots, while another parent wins the award for ‘the world’s most resourceful sick bowl’… Plus, have you ever wondered what Sara’s dream funeral would be like? Well, wonder no more! Sara & Clare are the hosts of this week’s ‘Where There’s A Will, There’s A Wake - Purgatory Series’. Listen here: https://listen.sonymusic-podcasts.link/COCO57300 P.S. Sara’s new book is now out in paperback! 'Way Back’ is available here: www.bio.to/wayback THE INSTANT SUNDAY TIMES BESTSELLER “Here is the feel-good read you have been looking for... “ “The big-hearted novel brimming with warmth, humour and heart”. “Please go and buy it, so Sara can keep taking me to fancy Italian restaurants” – Lady Jackie of Boltonia Email us at hello@teencommandments.co.uk Follow us on Instagram: @djsaracox, @clarehamilton__ Visit www.theteencommandments.co.uk Teen Commandments is a Sara Cox Production Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

08/04/25•31m 20s

Step-Parenting, Virginity & The Pill

Sara & Clare’s strict health regime has come to end so they’ve excitedly tumbled off the wagon to discover they’re now complete lightweights. This week Clare’s caught the eye of yet another man on the train and Sara’s worked out the easiest way to keep teenagers happy. Spoiler alert, it involves hard cash. Sara & Clare open up about their experiences of being step-parents, navigating wicked stepmothers of their own and raising their own kids in blended households. The matter of virginity comes up and what’s changed over the years in terms of judgment and shame. Peer pressure, contraception and borrowing mum’s lingerie - it’s all there. Meanwhile Sara’s eldest has demanded a correction of something Sara said in last week's episode… PS, Sara’s new book is out in paperback now. Way Back is available here: http://www.bio.to/wayback THE INSTANT SUNDAY TIMES BESTSELLER “Here is the feel-good read you have been looking for... “ “The big-hearted novel brimming with warmth, humour and heart”. “Please go and buy it, so Sara can keep taking me to fancy Italian restaurants” – Lady Jackie of Boltonia Email us at hello@teencommandments.co.uk Follow us on Instagram: @djsaracox, @clarehamilton__ Visit www.theteencommandments.co.uk Teen Commandments is a Sara Cox Production Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

07/04/25•39m 0s

Your Turn: 69s on the syllabus & Self Piercings

The email inbox is back open and it’s full of corkers! One listener discovers her daughter’s bold new piercing - self inflicted & not even in her ears, another’s room was so messy the police presumed it had been burgled and one confused lad has a question about teachers and sexual positions. Oh and it’s official … (well according to one TC listener) having teens is as demanding as having a newborn & a disgruntled mum relives the cutting moment her teen popped in her AirPods & said “bye” So pop yours in right now & enjoy! Email us at hello@teencommandments.co.uk Follow us on Instagram: @djsaracox, @clarehamilton__ Visit www.theteencommandments.co.uk Teen Commandments is a Sara Cox Production Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

01/04/25•27m 43s

Let’s Talk About Sex Baby!

This week Sara & Clare discuss the ins and outs, quite literally, of talking to teenagers about sex education. Brace for condoms on bananas, vibrators, orgasms, and the serious matters of sexting and body shaming. Away from the PHSE chatter, there’s revelations of teen parties, houses being trashed & emergency services being called. Outside of the podcast, it’s been a busy week for Sara and Clare - find out which of them dramatically blocked a toilet with an alleged ladypoo and who has had minor plastic surgery…plus Sara reveals which pop star she’s already lined up as a new bezzie in case Clare ever dumps her! Email us at hello@teencommandments.co.uk Follow us on Instagram: @djsaracox, @clarehamilton__ Visit www.theteencommandments.co.uk Teen Commandments is a Sara Cox Production Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

31/03/25•36m 46s

Your Turn: Ridiculous Questions & Goldfish Flapping

It’s all about you babes, as Sara & Clare read more of your brilliant teen emails. Toilet tales continue and a mum highlights the noises you get whenever you ask your teen to do anything. Sara and Clare ponder why teens ask the most ridiculous questions about the simplest of things? Plus, there’s talk of rumpy pumpy pleasure, a son’s SOS from uni and party confessions. Oh and remember the cringetastic time Clare sent her teenage son those Sinead O’Connor lyrics?… Well, it turns out she’s not the only mum to harness the power of music for her parenting… Email us at hello@teencommandments.co.uk Follow us on Instagram: @djsaracox, @clarehamilton__ Visit www.theteencommandments.co.uk Teen Commandments is a Sara Cox Production Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

26/03/25•26m 26s

Good Cop Bad Cop & Drunk vs. Stomach Pumped

Sara and Clare discuss the shopping items their darling offspring demand and Clare reveals her brilliant way of controlling her teens’ alcohol consumption. Who is the bad cop in Sara’s house? And how does Clare navigate being the only sheriff in town? Meanwhile, Sara & Clare have been doing more media this week, and it’s not as glamorous as you may think. Plus, Sara reveals the huge Hollywood star she once shared a waterslide with. Email us at hello@teencommandments.co.uk Follow us on Instagram: @djsaracox, @clarehamilton_ Visit www.theteencommandments.co.uk Teen Commandments is a Sara Cox Production Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

24/03/25•34m 39s

Your Turn: Door Slamming, Tricky Questions & Pubes

The Teen Commandments inbox is bursting open again for your chance to dish the dirt on your precious teenagers. This week a dad has solved the issue of teens slamming doors, a teenager has demanded to know the full details of his conception, whilst another proudly announces they’ve “found a pube”. Sara and Clare’s quest to try to solve the ‘Bruh’ confusion continues and Teen Commandment’s favourite swearword is back (& may now be Clare’s catchphrase). Email us at hello@teencommandments.co.uk Follow us on Instagram: @djsaracox, @clarehamilton_ Visit www.theteencommandments.co.uk Teen Commandments is a Sara Cox Production Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

19/03/25•24m 53s

Teen Birthdays, Permed Fringes and Driving Lessons

This week, Sara discusses celebrating her teenage son’s birthday. She shares the one (quite vital) thing missing on the night… Driving lessons are on the agenda too, plus Clare shares the VERY clear guidelines her kids have put in place for any mum taxi moments. There’s also a throwback to the bad old days of permed fringes, blue eyeshadow and shell suits. Oh, and watch out for Sara & Clare’s new range of Goop-inspired candles in the shops… Probably never. Got a teen tale to share? Email us at hello@teencommandments.co.uk Follow us on Instagram: @djsaracox, @clarehamilton_ Visit www.theteencommandments.co.uk Teen Commandments is a Sara Cox Production Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

17/03/25•36m 7s

Your Turn: Boggy Crocs, Urban Myths & Bedroom Chicken

Sara & Clare are diving back into your teen tales. One listener shares how her son’s obsession with protein has led to a poultry-based ban. Another mum admits her teens are sending her round the u-bend with their lack of toilet etiquette. And once again ‘procrasti-wank’ returns. Will the podcast ever escape it?! Email us at hello@teencommandments.co.uk Follow us on Instagram: @djsaracox, @clarehamilton_ Visit www.theteencommandments.co.uk Teen Commandments is a Sara Cox Production Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

12/03/25•26m 36s

Teen Idols, Only Fans and Why Are They Ignoring Me?

Warning! This week’s episode contains a totally cringe confession of a mother's desperate need for attention from her teenage son. To prevent their teenage daughters looking like new members of the Pussycat Dolls, Sara and Clare attempt to enforce the ‘clothing rule of 3’. Meanwhile, there’s talk of sex toys, £90 polyester dresses, swearing at Alexa, and Tom Cruise even gets a mention. Email us at hello@teencommandments.co.uk Follow us on Instagram: @djsaracox, @clarehamilton_ Visit www.theteencommandments.co.uk Teen Commandments is a Sara Cox Production Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

10/03/25•35m 55s

Your Turn: Bum Sticks, Mumbling and ‘Bruh’

Your Turn: Bum Sticks, Mumbling and ‘Bruh’ It’s time for listeners’ emails and – as ever – they don’t disappoint. This week a mum reveals the cringe conversations she’s had about wet dreams. One listener has had enough of the wet towel situation and taken matters into her own hands. Clare attempts to remember some science she once read about testosterone surges in teenage boys, whilst Sara draws the line at her kids calling her ‘Bruh’. Oh, and who else remembers Tammy Girl? Email us at hello@teencommandments.co.uk Follow us on Instagram: @djsaracox, @clarehamilton__ Visit www.theteencommandments.co.uk Teen Commandments is a Sara Cox Production Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

05/03/25•21m 36s

Swearing, Piercings & Accidental Arson

There’s been some accidental arson in Sara’s house and she’s on a mission to find out the culprit, meanwhile Clare reveals her parenting fail to tackle her teens swearing. Clare and Sara ponder why teenagers can’t close a car door properly and this week they’ve learnt not to push a dental floss stick through your belly button piercing. Meanwhile, Clare’s been eyeing up men on the train and find out what made Sara cry in a bar last week. Email us at hello@teencommandments.co.uk Follow us on Instagram: @djsaracox, @clarehamilton__ Visit www.theteencommandments.co.uk Teen Commandments is a Sara Cox Production Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

03/03/25•34m 5s

Your Turn: Bonkers Purchases, Crusty Tissues & ‘Personal Time’

It’s time to open the inbox again in this week’s ‘Your Turn’ to hear from those battling in the teen trenches. This week a mum reveals the most irrational and crazy purchase ever made by a 14 year old! Teen Commandments invite Sara & Clare under the bed and into the world of crusty tissues and teenagers ‘personal time’. Plus they discuss the brilliant naivety of teenagers when they discover the true meaning of “paying the bills”. In amongst all these teen tales, Clare ponders the possibility that she may have been intimate with a listener. Email us at hello@teencommandments.co.uk Follow us on Instagram: @djsaracox, @clarehamilton_ Visit www.theteencommandments.co.uk Teen Commandments is a Sara Cox Production Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

26/02/25•26m 21s

Teens Behaving Badly & The Hairy Fairy

Sara & Clare discuss getting into BIG trouble at school… why was Clare summoned to the headteachers office with BOTH of her kids in tow? Sara reveals the weird names her mum had for private parts. Why do teenagers insist on ruining family photos? And remember when the world went wild because Julia Roberts had a hairy armpit. Keep sending in your hilarious emails for ‘Your Turn’ episode, out every Wednesday. Email at hello@teencommandments.co.uk Follow on Instagram: @djsaracox, @clarehamilton_ Visit www.theteencommandments.co.uk Teen Commandments is a Sara Cox Production Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

24/02/25•38m 52s

Your Turn: The ‘S’ word, Nicking Nan’s Ciggies & Stair Clutter

Sara & Clare open the inbox for stories about your own precious teenagers. Why do teens take the only item of clean clothing they require and ignore the rest of the pile? Are they really looking after a vape for ‘their friend’? And the skills teens have of balancing rubbish on an overflowing bin. We want to hear from you! Email us at hello@teencommandments.co.uk Follow us on Instagram: @djsaracox, @clarehamilton__ Visit www.theteencommandments.co.uk Teen Commandments is a Sara Cox Production Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

19/02/25•21m 4s

The Cereal Years, Empty Packets & Acid on the Heath

Sara & Clare (bravely) grant their teenagers full immunity to reveal the biggest lies they’ve ever told them. Let’s just say, they get more than they bargained for. They dissect ‘the cereal years’, protein powder and teenage boys then and now. Plus, Sara & Clare discover their teens have listened to the pod… ARRRRGH! You can email us the biggest lies your teens have ever told you, and anything else you want to get off your chest: Email us at hello@teencommandments.co.uk Follow us on Instagram: @djsaracox, @clarehamilton__ Visit www.theteencommandments.co.uk Teen Commandments is a Sara Cox Production Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

17/02/25•30m 27s

Fridge Blindness, Missing Makeup & Rogue Loo Rolls

From the inexplicable fridge blindness that stops teens from spotting food right in front of them to the case of mysteriously missing makeup, Sara and Clare tackle the everyday chaos of parenting teens. They also chat about first jobs, periods, and the universal mystery of why empty loo rolls end up everywhere but the bin. Got a teen tale to share? 📧 Email us at hello@teencommandments.co.uk 📲 Follow us on Instagram: @djsaracox, @clarehamilton_ 👩‍💻 Visit www.theteencommandments.co.uk 🎙 Teen Commandments is a Sara Cox Production Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

10/02/25•48m 30s

Skiving, Wet Towels and Meet Sara & Clare

Sara and Clare kick things off by sharing the ultimate meet cute – how they became best friends as teens. They dive into the rebellious art of skiving school and the mystery of why their teens always have their headphones on. Plus, the dreaded ‘wet towel’ situation that comes hand in hand with teens. Brace yourselves. Got a teen tale to share? 📧 Email us at hello@teencommandments.co.uk 📲 Follow us on Instagram: @djsaracox, @clarehamilton_ 👩‍💻 Visit www.theteencommandments.co.uk 🎙 Teen Commandments is a Sara Cox Production Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

10/02/25•42m 40s

Teen Commandments Trailer

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

04/02/25•3m 59s